Best Laptops For Gadget Lovers / Laptop Advisor Buyer's Guide

Last updated on 01/25/2011

Need a gift for the gadget enthusiast in your life? Netbooks and tablets are a great choice because they're unique, portable, usually less expensive than run-of-the-mill notebooks. They make great second computers for keeping around the living room. Here are some of your best bets this holiday season. By Mike Lynch

Apple iPad
from $297.74
Looking for the latest and greatest? When Apple's iPad hit the market early this year, it turned several million heads. Why? Well, this popular device blends netbook power with iPod Touch usability and a gorgeous 9.7-inch screen. The base 16gb Wi-Fi model comes in at a fairly steep (for the processing power) $499 and from there rises $100 for the 32gb and $200 for the 64gb model. There is also the option of buying an iPad with 3G enabled, allowing for web browsing as long as you are within AT&T's 3G network.
Archos 9 PC Tablet
from $458.88
Looking for a windows-based iPad-style tablet? The Archos 9 PC Tablet offers a design and touchscreen interface that is similar to the iPad, but it's powered by Windows 7. The Archos 9 also features an LED-backlit display (which provides a full HD 1080p resolution) and a 60GB hard drive. This tablet is more expensive and less powerful than a clamshell-style netbook. However, it's the best option out there for tablet loves who aren't really into the iPad's Apple interface.
Lenovo Ideapad S10-3t 10.1" Netbook
from $499.99
Looking for a tablet/netbook blend? Lenovo's IdeaPad S10-3t is a 10.1-inch netbook, but it also features a swiveling touch-sensitive screen. It's like a convertible netbook -- you can use it like a normal laptop or you flip the monitor around and use it like a tablet. The IdeaPad features Windows 7, and it offers greater processing power, storage space, and RAM than the iPad or Archos tablet. It's a great little in-between option for the gadget lover in your life.
Acer Aspire One AOD255-1549 10.1" Netbook
from $2,999.00
Looking for a more powerful portable? Consider picking up a netbook featuring the new Atom N550 processor. The dual-core N550 chip will improve application and graphics. Two interesting gift options in this category are the Acer AOD255-1549 (left) and the Asus Eee PC 1015PEM. These netbooks may look sort of boring, but they're highly portable and much more powerful than anything else on this list. Thanks to Intel's Atom N550 process, they are equipped to handle high-resolution videos, and they're much quicker than older netbooks and almost all tablets.
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